As someone who frequents the esthetician’s office, I can see how homeopathic, medicinal, and beauty can blur into one weird facial. Kim Kardashian shared her story of her “blood facial” on social media. Gwenyth Paltrow is a frequent visitor to the twilight zone of the beauty industry. We’ve all seen bizarre treatments and tested the fads. It’s hard to separate fact from fiction when it looks like so much fun!
The purpose of Beauty Advice Not to Follow is to separate the fads from what works. To find the shred of truth and find alternatives that are less absurd. For less expensive alternatives and what science actually says about that new treatment, you’re about to rub all over your face.
To kick off this segment. The spotlight will be on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop.Com beauty advice. On of Paltrow’s more strange beauty rituals involves being stung by bees. The method behind the madness here is that bee venom reduces inflammation. Apitherapy encompasses pollen, honey, and bee venom. So yes, this is a real thing. However, there are many solutions to reduce inflammation without stinging yourself with bees.
Here’s the deal, inflammation is not fun, especially for your face. Rosacea and acne-prone skin are likely to scar when inflammation is an additional factor. That red swelling puffiness surrounding your zit? That is inflammation, and if not properly treated, that zit will scar thanks to your friend inflammation. This does not mean you should pay someone to sting your face with bees repeatedly.
For someone who struggles with acne or is prone to scarring, anything is worth a shot. But before you go and piss off the nearest hive, let’s look at alternatives to reducing inflammation.
Many foods have nutrients that produce anti-inflammatory benefits. Coconut oil, fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, leafy greens, and beets. Celery and Bok Choy are also some options. If incorporating healthy foods into your diet isn’t enough, herbs also hold a substantial amount anti-inflammatory perks. Turmeric is just as effective as cortisone. Ginger and Boswelia are other sources of herbal anti-inflammatory. Herb supplements come in pill form. You can get them at a pharmacy. No need to endure the pain of bees stinging your face repeatedly.
If you want to reduce acne and inflammation, the best place to start is not with a bee-hive, but rather your diet.
